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Director of Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, who also chairs the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, confirmed that the 2025-2026 winter camping season witnessed a significant increase in online registrations, thanks to system updates implemented this year that streamlined the registration process and reduced processing time. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Nuaimi said that the number of registered campsites exceeded 2,800 by the registration deadline, a slight increase compared to last season. This reflects public confidence and the stability of the organization. He anticipates that the number will increase as the season progresses, particularly with the extension of registration periods in high-demand areas. Al Nuaimi said that registration was divided according to geographical regions (central, southern, and northern), which allowed citizens greater flexibility in choosing their preferred locations. He noted that public awareness had increased significantly, with many campers registering early to secure their spots. He also indicated that the ministry had developed a flexible capacity plan this year, with the possibility of opening additional sites as needed. He emphasized that this reflects the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's commitment to meeting the needs of campers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. He noted that Sealine remains one of the most sought-after areas, thanks to its unique combination of sea and sand dunes, along with the northern coastline, which has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among families due to its proximity to residential areas and pleasant climate. Meanwhile, Al-Mazrouah has experienced increasing demand from those who appreciate the natural environment, thanks to its tranquility and spaciousness. Director of Wildlife Protection Department Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi said that the electronic registration system has undergone a comprehensive upgrade this year to be faster, more accurate, and more flexible, offering ease of use for all, including those with limited digital skills. Regarding awareness efforts, he noted that the Ministry implemented extensive media and awareness campaigns across various platforms to promote a culture of sustainable camping and wildlife protection. He pointed out that the messages emphasized respecting regulations, maintaining cleanliness, and responsible waste management. He added that field workshops and educational visits were organized in cooperation with schools and youth centers to encourage sound environmental practices among campers, particularly young people. Al Nuaimi revealed that the Ministry has designated specific areas for family camping, offering appropriate services and a tranquil environment, as well as areas for youth camping that provide larger spaces and opportunities for activities, in addition to sites dedicated to environmental and educational initiatives. He pointed out that the organized camping initiative has contributed to preserving wildlife and preventing encroachment on plants and sand dunes, as campsite locations are determined in advance via an electronic map, which prevents randomness and reduces environmental damage. The Ministry also obliges campers to a number of environmental standards, including the use of tools that are not harmful to plants and not lighting fires outside the designated sites. At the conclusion of his interview with QNA, Director of Wildlife Protection Department and Head of the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, called on all campers to adhere to the instructions and preserve the desert environment, stressing that camping is a collective responsibility, and that preserving nature is a guarantee for successful and safe seasons for future generations.

The winter camping season should be an excellent occasion to spread awareness on the importance of preserving and maintaining the various components of the local environment. Speaking to local Arabic daily Arrayah, a number of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) members stressed that campers should strictly abide by the regulations and rules set forth by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for this season. Campers should actively cooperate with the environment inspectors to guarantee a successful season without violations that may negatively impact the environment. This will further enhance the protection of the Qatari wildlife and ensure that it will be well-preserved for the coming generations. Parents should be keen to spread environment awareness among their children and instruct them on the proper ways to use the various components of wildlife, enjoying them without causing any potential harm. CMC member Hassan Ali al-Ishaq pointed out that over the past seasons, it turned out that fast majority of campers followed the related laws and regulations. He stressed that the local traditions and general ethics should be followed in this regard to maintain the cleanness of the place and preserve the well-being of wildlife. Campers should avoid causing any annoyance or disturbances to their neighbouring campers. Also, inspectors should be considered by campers as guides and assistants to help them enjoy the experience while preserving nature. CMC member Mohamed al-Khayareen said that campers should stay updated on the related instructions and rules, and follow them for their own safety. They should also ensure quality and safe electricity connections and cook safely to avoid risks of fires and similar accidents. CMC member Jassim al-Khelaifi said that campers strive to enhance the local environment by planting a number of trees and caring for them. They should avoid littering and use excellent quality sanitary drainage equipment to avoid spoiling their surroundings. CMC member Mohamed al-Hajiri suggested that campers should avoid lighting fire directly on the sand and leaving the remains there. Instead, they should keep designated places and tools for the purpose and dispose of the remains in a proper manner. He also noted that campers should always keep in mind the good neighbourhood practices, which is integral part of the local culture, to enjoy a peaceful and hassle-free experience for all

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) Committee for the Organisation of Winter Camping Affairs has carried out extensive field inspection tours across various camping areas in the country. The tours were conducted in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality Public Cleanliness Department, and the Environmental Security Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), as part of an integrated plan aimed at ensuring site readiness and providing a safe, clean environment for all campers. During the field visits, a large number of waste containers were distributed across designated camping sites. The inspection teams also monitored compliance with approved environmental regulations and verified the availability of essential requirements to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of natural areas, aligning with the ministry’s goal of ensuring an environmentally sustainable and safe camping season. Accordingly, MoECC affirmed that these efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources, preserving the beauty of Qatar’s environment, and promoting environmental awareness within the community. It stressed that maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites is a shared responsibility that requires the co-operation of all campers and participants throughout the season. Meanwhile, the ministry urged all campers to adhere to the environmental and regulatory requirements issued by the Committee for the Organization of Winter Camping Affairs, to avoid leaving waste or causing harm to natural components. The ministry confirmed that environmental inspection teams will continue to conduct regular field visits to ensure full compliance with the established guidelines. The ministry added that the success of the camping season largely depends on community awareness and co-operation, noting that collaboration between government entities and the public forms a key foundation for achieving a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable recreational season, one that reflects Qatar’s advanced environmental and cultural values.

Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) will open its Sealine Medical Clinic for the 2025/2026 winter camping season Wednesday, marking its 16th consecutive year of operation. The clinic will remain open throughout the season until April 15, 2026.The clinic will operate throughout the season, opening each Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 2am, and from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays. This weekly schedule will continue throughout the camping season.The launch of the Sealine Medical Clinic 16 years ago marked HMC's commitment to providing care during the annual camping season. Since then, HMC has continued to open its clinic in the Sealine area throughout the six-month camping season, reflecting the corporation's dedication to delivering safe, compassionate, and effective healthcare year-round to everyone in Qatar, regardless of their location.The clinic is conveniently located in its usual spot on the Sealine beachfront, allowing easy access for both patients and visitors. The clinic offers medical and emergency services to all beachgoers and campers in the Sealine and Khor Al Adaid areas during the camping season.The management of Sealine clinic expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) for its continued co-operation with HMC on the Sealine clinic project, as well as to those involved in maintaining the Sealine area as a leading tourist and leisure destination by providing amenities such as shops, restaurants, and cafes. The management of Sealine clinic project urged visitors to the area to follow safety guidelines and take precautions, especially when swimming, barbecuing, or preparing food, to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.A physician and a nurse are present at the clinic during operating hours under the supervision of the Medical Supervisor. The clinic receives all emergency cases, whether minor or critical from beach visitors or campers during its working hours.Severe or critical cases are immediately transferred to the hospital by ambulance or air ambulance, depending on the triage assessment. The clinic is fully equipped with the necessary supplies and medications to handle the types of cases it receives, and a helipad for air ambulance support is available nearby The clinic is prepared to handle a variety of cases, from mild to moderate, including colds, gastrointestinal issues, and minor burns and injuries, all of which can be treated on-site. For severe or critical cases, patients are transferred immediately to the hospital via ambulance or air ambulance, depending on the case.Ambulance coverage in Sealine area is available 24/7. Two regular ambulances are permanently stationed in the area, along with two four-wheel-drive ambulances to transport patients from sand dunes to the Sealine clinic during its operating hours, the standard ambulance site, or the air ambulance landing area, as needed.The Ambulance Service increases the number of ambulances in the Sealine camping area during weekends, beginning Thursday afternoons and continuing through Saturdays as well as during school holidays and special events, deploying a total of six regular ambulances and five four-wheel-drive ambulances to ensure timely responses across sandy terrain.The availability of air ambulance services and the deployment of specialised medical teams, including paramedics, critical care paramedics, rapid response paramedics, supervisors, liaison officers and operations managers. These teams are deployed according to emergency leadership and control systems established by the Emergency Planning and Event Management Section of the Ambulance Service, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage throughout the camping season.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced the launch of the online registration for the 2025/2026 winter camping season Wednesday.The registration will be conducted in three phases according to the published schedule: starting with the Central Area from Oct 1-4, followed by the Southern Area from Oct 5-8, and then the Northern Area from Oct 9-14.Hamad Salem al-Nuaimi, director of the Wildlife Protection Department and chairman of the Winter Camping Season Organising Committee, stressed that the ministry’s teams have been working since the launch of online registration to facilitate the process through the electronic system on the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website. He noted that a team from the Wildlife Protection Department is available to assist the elderly, retirees, and people with disabilities in registering if they are unable to do so electronically. He indicated that reservations are made electronically via the registration system. Upon registration, the camp owner immediately receives a text message confirming the booking of their site, which remains reserved for them throughout the six-month season, whether they start camping immediately or at a later time. He pointed out that the physical setup of camps is permitted starting from October 15, emphasising that no camping activities are allowed before this date. He also mentioned that the ministry has allocated a full day for the Sealine area due to the high demand it witnesses annually, where the number of camps last year exceeded 1,200.He noted that the capacity for the current season reaches 3,000 camps, with the possibility of increasing numbers in some areas based on demand and field pressure, to accommodate the growing demand for camping across various regions of the country. He highlighted that swapping sites after confirmation is prohibited except through the system, with a fee of QR1,000 imposed if a change is desired before confirmation. Besides, payment of the mandatory insurance of QR10,000 is a prerequisite for confirming the reservation, with a grace period of six hours granted to complete the payment via the system.Aysha al-Mehasaa, head of the Infrastructure and Project Management Section in the Information Systems Department, explained that this year the ministry has designed a completely new digital infrastructure dedicated to camping, aiming to enhance system efficiency and facilitate the registration process. The ministry has also strengthened electronic linkage with government entities such as the Retirement Authority and the Ministry of Social Development to provide accurate data for retirees and people with disabilities, allowing them to be exempted from fees automatically upon entering their personal ID number.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has officially unveiled the Winter Camping Season 2025-2026, scheduled to run from Oct. 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. Registration for the highly anticipated event will begin on October 1 and runs through October 14, available via the ministry's official website and the "Be'ah" mobile application.It will reopen from October 15 to November 15 for areas where spots will remain available. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, who gave an overview of the latest updates on regulations and environmental guidelines for this year's season.The conference also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and sustainable camping experience for all participants. MoECC's Public Relations Director, Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri emphasized the importance of the camp as a platform for fostering community engagement with Qatar's environment and promoting environmental awareness.He noted that the previous season saw a total of 2,860 camps, including 1,315 land camps, 433 sea camps, and 1,112 located within protected nature reserves. Meanwhile, the Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, said the three-phase registration process is based on geographic location as follows:October 1–4: Central region (including Umm Al-Atham, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Khuraij, Abu Samra, and Zekreet Coastal Reserve) October 5–8: Southern region (including Seline Reserve on October 5, and areas like Al-Nuqyan, Al-Kharara, Makinis, Seline, and Khor Al-Addid from October 6–8) October 9–14: Northern region, covering all available sites.Al Nuaimi further outlined key regulations for campers, including requirements for applicants to be Qatari nationals aged 25 or older. Applicants must also pay registration fees and insurance through the ministry's electronic system, maintain cleanliness, and avoid causing harm to the environment.He added that any violations will result in fines and potential revocation of permits. Insurance for unconfirmed camps will not be refunded after 30 days, and any reservation not confirmed within this period will automatically be canceled.The camping permit is personal and cannot be transferred or subleased. Assistant Head of the Environmental Security Department at the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Lt. Colonel Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Nuaimi underscored the importance of campers adhering to environmental regulations to ensure a safe and eco-friendly season.In alignment with Qatar's commitment to environmental sustainability, MoECC's Director of Planning and Quality Department, Aisha Al Baker, announced the launch of the Sustainable Environmental Camping Award 2025-2026. The award recognizes five camps that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices, such as resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and the promotion of recycling.